Conkers is a brilliant place for a family day out. We recently got the chance to visit along with some other blogger families, and the next time we’re in the area I’ll definitely be keen to take the kids again. There’s a lot on offer to see and do, so you can easily fill a full day and even more.
While we were at Conkers we took part in a Bushcraft session, a treasure hunt, did the barefoot walk sensory challenge, and explored outside and inside of the centre.
Bushcraft Survival Session at Conkers
We took part in a bushcraft survival session where we built our own shelter, made a fire and roasted some marshmallows. The kids really enjoyed this, and it was great to have the bushcraft leaders around supervising the session as they were able to give us tips on making our fire better, and give a demonstration before we started. I have to admit, my husband and I are not very experienced in making camp fires so this was really appreciated to help our activity go more smoothly
The bushcraft sessions are one of 10 outdoor pursuits that families can take part at while visiting Conkers. Some of the other options include kata canoeing, karting, cycling, archery, and an assault course.
Barefoot Walk at Conkers
One of the most memorable parts of our visit was the barefoot trail. This sensory walk is all about experiencing different textures with the feet, and it can get really muddy and really messy. It’s a lot of fun!
During the trail, you experience walking on different paths including water pools, timber, bark, coal, pebbles, wood and clay. Luckily there’s a foot washing and drying area at the end of the walk so you don’t need to worry too much about the kids getting covered in mud!
I love the concept of this active, outdoors, messy, sensory experience – it is great!
Outdoors at Conkers
The Conkers site is pretty large, including various outdoor courses, ropes, ziplines, ponds and play areas. There’s also a train to take you from one side of the site to the other. My boys loved the large outdoor play area (The Playdale Play Zone) and spent over an hour playing there after lunch. It has plenty to occupy kids from toddlers up to older kids, and offered us the chance to relax while the kids were using up their energy.
Discovery Science Centre at Conkers
We explored the indoors part of Conkers towards the end of our day, and were really impressed with how hands on and engaging all of the exhibits are. The indoors centre offers kids the chance to stay active, just like the outdoors, with the Enchanted Forest Play Zone which my boys loved.
There’s also a simulated tree top walk for them to walk in the dark, with bats to watch out for, and a great slide.
The electricity area lets them work on powering the city by jumping up and down, or walking on the spot as fast as they can, and the plants area let’s them go inside a giant interactive model leaf.
Stay, Play, Explore
If you’re coming from outside of Leicestershire and want to make a short break from your trip, take a look at Stay, Play, Explore breaks starting from £129 which covers a hotel stay for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids, along with entry to your choice of 3 local attractions, including Conkers. If you have more children, the deal can be adjusted for you.
I hope that we can visit again soon. I was really impressed with Conkers as a family day out that’s perfect for active, inquisitive kids and keeps the whole family happy.
Find out more about Conkers via their website, or follow on Facebook and Twitter on:
FB: Visit Conkers and Go Leicestershire
Twitter: @ConkersCentre and @loveleics
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
We were so impressed when we visited and I think the whole making fire experience will stay with Monkey and I for a long time. We’ll definitely be returning again #CountryKids
What a lovely place! One of the place is our bucketlist now! #countrykids
That’s one of the best campfires I’ve seen made at Conkers. Such an original idea and great fun for all the family I’m determined to create a Bare foot walk at Coombe Mill as this one looks so much fun. Thank you for sharing with the on Country Kids
ooh you should – I think it would be a great feature!
Looks like you had a great day! Those smores look super yummy! I really enjoyed the barefoot walk, it’s an odd sensation walking in the ooozy mud followed by the super cold water.
Looks like you had a great day! Those smores look super yummy! I really enjoyed the barefoot walk, it’s an odd sensation walking in the ooozy mud followed by the super cold water.